The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday gave the nod to three projects under the Ministry of Railways: Manmad 4th line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa 3rd and 4th line (131 km) and Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur 3rd Line (84 km). The railway projects entail an investment of Rs 7,927 crore, aimed at easing operations and reducing congestion, and providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections between Mumbai and Prayagraj, according to an official statement. 

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The projects are in line with PM Modi's vision of a New India that will make people of the region self-reliant, enhancing their employment or self-employment opportunities, it noted. 

Here are key things to know about this big development: 

  • The railway projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity.
  • The three projects will cover seven districts in three states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
  • They are set to increase the Indian Railways's existing network by about 639 kilometres.
  • The proposed multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to the aspirational districts of Khandwa and Chitrakoot, serving approximately 1,319 villages and about 38 lakh people.
  • They will enhance connectivity along the Mumbai–Prayagraj–Varanasi route by enabling the operation of additional passenger trains. The move is set to benefit pilgrims traveling to Jyotirlingas in Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Khandwa (Omkareshwar) and Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath), and religious places in regions like Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya and Shirdi.
  • The railway projects will promote tourism through improved access to various attractions such as Khajuraho UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ajanta and Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site, Devgiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Keoti Falls and Purwa Falls.
  • These are essential routes for the transportation of items such as agriculture products, fertiliser, coal, steel, cement and containers.
  • The projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, which integrates planning and ensures seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
  • With an estimated additional freight capacity of 51 million tonnes per year, they are expected to lower logistics costs and boost the economy.
  • The environmentally friendly rail projects will reduce CO2 emissions by 271 crore kilograms annually--equivalent to planting 11 crore trees, the statement added.

With inputs from agencies